Officials race against clock for drought funds

SANTA CRUZ &GT;&GT; Local water officials are scrambling to meet a state deadline to be eligible for drought funding grants, hoping to secure $3.1 million for three projects to help steer Santa Cruz County through months when the water runs dry.

Amid a call for the county to declare a groundwater emergency, representatives from the county, cities and water agencies convened to discuss adoption of a regional water plan that incorporates years of planning to address the county's persistent water problems. Many agencies across the state are scrambling to meet an expedited July 21 grant deadline for $200 million available statewide for drought-related projects.

"Expedited means we have to scramble to get it in and we might get the money in April, when the drought's over," said John Ricker, the county's water resources manager. "But it is for long-term drought assistance."

The money is being routed through Integrated Regional Water Management groups, which are in place across California. On the Central Coast, $20 million is available to the six agencies in place here, including one that covers much of the county and another that includes the Pajaro Valley.

One idea is a Scotts Valley project that would bring the county its first injection well, to be located in Hanson Quarry. The idea has been floating around for years, and would use the well to force recycled or stormwater back into underground aquifers.

The two other projects are located in Santa Cruz. While the city's water system is largely dependent on surface water, it does have two groundwater wells at its Tait Street intake. Those wells are on the verge of failing, said Chris Berry, the city's representative on the regional water management group.

Replacing them would give the city options when the San Lorenzo River runs low, allowing them to draw from wells that don't seem to impact river flow levels. That would help with water quality, which deteriorates when the river runs low, Berry said.

The third project is aimed at helping the Santa Cruz Water Department improve water quality overall.

The plan incorporates calls for new water sources, district water interties, increased conservation through tiered pricing and other means, ferreting out illegal stream diversions and more. None of the proposals represent a major break in local water policy.

Tuesday, the Soquel Creek Water District, which is struggling with overtaxed aquifers and seawater intrusion into its water supply, called on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to declare a groundwater emergency.

Such a move would allow the county to issue a moratorium on new private wells, which collectively represent a significant draw from the aquifers that serve district customers. The move also allows the county to regulate well pumping, though agricultural wells are given special consideration under county law.

The Soquel Creek Water District has declared a groundwater emergency. However, the county is the only entity that issues new well permits in unincorporated parts of the county.